Most of the UK woke up to a blanket of snow this morning, thanks to a polar vortex nicknamed 'Beast from the East'.

The plummeting temperature and icy cold winds are set to last throughout the week and there's also a storm in sight.

Here is everything you need to know about Storm Emma and the Beast from the East.

What is the Beast from the East?

The Beast from the East is a polar vortex. This is a mass of very cold air that sits above the Earth's north and south poles. The dense, cold air is controlled by a large pocket of low pressure, which rotates in an anti-clockwise direction at the north pole and clockwise at the south pole.

When a polar vortex is weak, it can split into two or more freezing 'vortices', forcing wintry air from Siberia towards the UK.

This sudden change in temperature is known as a Sudden Stratospheric Warming, according to the Met Office.

How long could it last?

Yellow snow warnings, issued yesterday for most parts of the UK, remain in place today.

Amber warnings have been issued today for the East of England, Wales, the West Midlands, East Midlands, South West England and Yorkshire.

The Met office has warned that the snow is likely to last most of this week, in some parts of the country, with a risk of strong gale winds expected in the North East on Thursday and Friday, thanks to Storm Emma.

What is Storm Emma?

On Thursday and Friday parts of Britain will be battered by Storm Emma, the Met Office has warned.

The forecast tweeted: “The Portuguese met service @ipma_pt named #StormEmma yesterday, set to bring heavy rain and gales across Spain and Portugal.

"As the storm bumps into the cold air across the UK, there is the risk of blizzards and freezing rain."

It's predicted that it will bring six inches of snow and strong blizzards across the country, which are expected to last throughout the weekend - although, they won't be as strong.

How can I keep warm in the cold weather?

The Met Office has issued advice on how you can keep warm during the cold weather:

Keep your hands and face warm - if they get cold they can trigger a rise in blood pressure which puts you at increased risk of a heart attack.

Remember that several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer, as the layers trap warm air.

Wear warm clothes in bed. When very cold, wear thermal underwear, bed socks and even a hat - a lot of heat is lost through your head.